A letter from WE Executive Director, Sarah Adams, sharing the latest update on our new grants process and the open call for LOIs:
I’m excited to share an update from our new grants review process. We have received nearly 100 Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) from organizations doing extraordinary work across the globe — including in South Sudan, Cameroon, Morocco, India, Thailand, Afghanistan, Mexico, and from many communities here in San Diego and throughout the U.S. With still two days left until the LOI submission window closes, we expect to hit that incredible milestone, signifying the great and pressing need for support that exists today.
It is inspiring and humbling to read about the work that these organizations and women are doing. Each submission offers a powerful glimpse into the realities and immense challenges for women around the world — from living in conflict zones, unsafe conditions, and with the threat of gender-based violence; to navigating oppressive social norms and exclusionary legal and economic infrastructures; and, to facing the growing impacts of climate change. And yet, the organizations write with determination and highlight resilience. Their efforts are bold, creative, and deeply rooted in the needs of their communities.
Programs described in the LOIs include critical elements such as: microfinance groups; training design and delivery; supplies and equipment for business start-ups and other entrepreneurship projects; stipends and training for women in tech, rights advocacy, and environmental conversation fields; and, other transformative initiatives for girls and women of all ages, currently living at or below the local poverty line.
As we move forward, our dedicated Grants Committee is thoughtfully reviewing each LOI. Selected organizations will be invited to submit full applications in the coming weeks and finalists will be invited to a more in-depth interview. We look forward to sharing more about our progress in the next two months.
At a time when federal funding cuts are being felt both locally and globally — and when only a small fraction of philanthropic dollars reach organizations focused on women and girls — WE remains deeply committed. We are proud to stand with our long-time grant partners and excited about the opportunity to welcome new partners into our network.
Your generous donations this year continue to build our grant pool that fuels this work, respond to increasing needs, and reach more women.
When women rise, communities thrive. Thank you for continuing to stand with us, and creating change, together.